"Artemis?" Dick's mouth almost fell open as he turned around. There she was, the same as she'd looked a few weeks ago. Except for the exorbitantly expensive looking ball gown. So that's what Bruce meant.

"Close your mouth, Grayson." Artemis said with an unusual smile. When she was next to him she looped her arm through his. "Mr. Wayne invited me. He said you didn't have a date."

"Uh… yeah that's true." His mind was still trying to process. Who else is here?

Artemis rolled her eyes. "Alright then. Let's mingle or whatever it is you millionaire playboys do at these things." She started to drag him out of his corner.

"I'd rather not actually." He said refusing to budge and halting her progress. "I'm not really in a talking mood today."

"You never like to talk." Another familiar voice had him turning his head. Roy?

"What are you doing here?" The question practically fell out of his mouth.

"Oliver's busy." Roy said it like it was explanation enough and took a drink from his glass.

"You two know each other?" Artemis asked. To anyone else the act would have been totally convincing.

"By reputation only." Roy responded flashing Artemis a charming smile. In any other situation Dick would have either laughed or gagged.

Artemis smiled back. "If you'll excuse us, I think I'll be forcing Grayson to dance with me now." This time he let her lead him out into the crowd. When she stopped she turned to face him and put one hand on his shoulder, holding the other out for him to take. He blinked in surprise.

"You're kidding right?"

"Nope." She picked up his lifeless arm and laid his hand at her waist. "I've always wanted to do this."


Once again, it's short but I'll be getting to the good stuff very soon.